The name that stands out to me there is Ralph Wilson, Jr. Why would he be in over Bud?

I think the reason why Wilson over Adams in the HoF:

Quote:

He was a guiding force in AFL policies that ensured success, such as gate and television revenue sharing. As one of only three AFL owners to be on relatively solid financial ground (along with Hunt and Bud Adams), Wilson lent the financially troubled Oakland Raiders $400,000 and was also willing to lend money to Billy Sullivan of the Patriots. Wilson helped keep those franchises afloat, likely saving the entire league from folding (the AFL was unique among professional football league in that not a single AFL franchise folded in its history).

Revenue sharing has been one of the primary reasons why the league has grown as popular as it is and allowed smaller market teams to compete with larger market teams. The concept has been great for the health and longevity of the NFL.

And then basically saving the Raiders and Patriots with financial loans? The AFL never would have existed to merge with the NFL if he had not been so generous. And without the merger, it is doubtful that many of the AFL's styles of play would have made it to the NFL (especially the AFL's focus on the passing game). And without the merger, most likely no Super Bowl.

Bud Adams, on the other hand...MURDERED the Houston Oilers.

__________________"Football is only a diversion." ~ Houston Texans, Inc.